Paper Halving

Why do this problem?

This activity offers free exploration that can help youngsters with their development of the concepts associated with fractions.  It provides a chance for meaningful mathematical discussion and sharing of current understanding, in addition to offering opportunities for challenging misconceptions.

Possible approach

This task is best introduced as succinctly as possible so that learners have the freedom to work in any way they wish. Make sure that pupils know that they have a choice in how they fold/cut/draw to show halves - the key is that they can justify that the two parts really are halves. 

Here are some ways of halving that sometimes occur:


(Please note that the labelling of A and B is ours, not the children's.)  

Some learners may be adventurous and use curves such as these, which produce interesting justifications as to how they are halves:



Talk is key for this task.  Asking children to explain their ideas will help to reveal their understanding even if their constructions are not quite accurate.  You can facilitate discussion about not all halves being symmetrical and it would also be fruitful to ask how learners think the task would have been affected if they had been given squared paper rather than plain.

Key questions

Tell me about your halves.
How do you know this is a half?
Can you find some other ways of halving the paper?

Possible extension

Repeat the same for thirds. (Yes thirds before quarters!)
 

Possible support

There may be some pupils who need support folding, cutting and/or drawing as well as any measuring.  It might be appropriate to pair children with different skills in this regard.